11 November 2024 : Daily Current Affairs
1. On improving wind energy generation
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Energy |
| Context |
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Maintenance, Repowering, and Refurbishment of Wind Turbines
- Wind turbines with capacities under 2 MW or more than 15 years old can undergo repowering (full replacement) or refurbishment, which may involve upgrading turbine height, blades, and gearboxes to increase energy output.
- Repowering also extends to individual or groups of wind mills, allowing older units to generate more power efficiently.
- Life extension involves safety upgrades to extend the operational life of existing turbines.
| Wind Energy Capacity and Potential in India |
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National Policy on Repowering Wind Projects
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) introduced its first policy on wind project repowering in 2016, with an updated “National Repowering & Life Extension Policy” released in 2023 after consultations with stakeholders.
- According to NIWE estimates, turbines under 2 MW capacity offer a repowering potential of approximately 25.4 GW.
- Despite the policy framework, wind energy producers often encounter limitations on the ground, which affect the practical implementation of repowering projects.
Challenges and Constraints in Repowering
- Wind energy sites established in the 1980s have turbines of smaller capacities, under one MW, set up with spacing and infrastructure designed according to older technology.
- New turbines, such as the 2 MW models at 120 metres high that require 3.5 acres of land, or the 2.5 MW models requiring five acres, pose land and spacing challenges.
- Infrastructure updates, like transmission capacity and energy evacuation facilities, have not kept pace with generation capabilities, impeding effective utilisation of wind potential.
- A delayed infrastructure project involving sub-stations at high-potential wind sites, sanctioned years ago, exemplifies these hurdles.
Policy and Financial Viability Concerns
- Policy challenges include the lack of a banking facility for energy generated from repowered turbines, impacting the financial feasibility of repowering projects.
- For wind energy producers, financial incentives and policy support remain critical for the viability of repowering, which could contribute significantly to overall energy output during peak seasons.
| PYQ: Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2022) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the potential and challenges associated with repowering and refurbishing wind turbines in India. How can the government’s policies be improved to harness the full capacity of wind energy in the country? (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. Declining health spending risks SDG goals
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)
| Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health |
| Context |
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Study Overview:
- A World Bank study examines government health spending in 63 low-income countries (LICs) and lower middle-income countries (LMICs) between 2019 and 2023.
- It compares post-pandemic trends with pre-pandemic data from 2015 to 2019, focusing on the implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health by 2030.
- The study reveals a concerning decline in health spending per capita in these countries, particularly as the deadline for SDGs approaches.
Pandemic Spending Surge and Subsequent Decline:
- There was an initial surge in government health spending during the pandemic in 2020.
- However, this spike was followed by a steady decline in health expenditures after the peak pandemic years.
- The reduction in health spending is now more permanent, reversing the pre-pandemic trend where health had gained a greater share in national budgets.
- This decline poses risks to achieving health-related SDG targets, especially in LICs and LMICs.
| Modest Growth in Health Spending: |
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Declining Share of Health in Government Budgets:
- As general government expenditure grew faster than health spending, the share of government budgets allocated to health has decreased.
- In LICs, health spending as a share of total government expenditure dropped to 5.6% in 2023, a notable decline from its pandemic peak.
- LMICs saw a similar trend, with health spending as a share of the budget declining to 6.5% in 2023.
- These reductions reflect challenges in maintaining adequate funding for health while general government budgets remain largely stagnant or show modest growth.
Challenges Faced by LICs and LMICs:
- The decline in health spending per capita is particularly pronounced in LICs, where health funding has historically been low and highly dependent on external aid.
- In LMICs, while the decline is less severe, it still presents significant challenges in sustaining health improvements.
- Projections indicate that many countries, including India, are likely to experience further budget contractions from 2023 to 2029, which may require difficult trade-offs in funding priorities.
India’s Declining Health Spending:
- India is among the LMICs where government health spending has significantly decreased since its pandemic peak.
- Health’s share in the Indian budget dropped from over 2% during the pandemic to around 1.75–1.85% in subsequent years.
- This decline underscores the challenges India faces in maintaining its health budget allocation, particularly as the country grapples with increasing healthcare demands
| Practice Question: Discuss the impact of declining government health spending in low-income and lower middle-income countries on achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals. How can countries like India address these challenges to ensure sustainable health financing? (250 Words /15 marks) |
3. Tragic Elephant Deaths in Madhya Pradesh Linked to Toxic Kodo Millet: Urgent Call for Better Crop Management
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained: 11)
| Topic: GS3 – Environment |
| Context: |
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Analysis of News:
Understanding Kodo Millet
- Cultivation and Uses: Kodo millet, a drought-resistant crop, is widely grown in arid regions across India and other tropical areas. Known for its high nutritional value and storage capability, it is a staple for various communities.
- Toxicity Potential: Under specific conditions, kodo millet can develop mycotoxins like Cyclopiazonic Acid (CPA), especially in humid conditions, leading to a form of food poisoning called kodo toxicity.
History of Kodo Millet Poisoning
- Earliest Cases: Documented since the 1920s, kodo millet poisoning has caused health issues in both humans and animals, with symptoms like vomiting and tremors. In the 1980s, CPA was identified as the toxin responsible for this poisoning.
- Recent Incidents: Wild animals, including elephants, have died from kodo millet toxicity. In 2022, one elephant death was attributed to this issue.
Why Kodo Millet Becomes Toxic
- Environmental Triggers: High moisture from seasonal rains can lead to fungal contamination. CPA-producing fungi grow on kodo millet under these conditions, rendering it toxic and dangerous for consumption.
Health Impact on Animals
- Symptoms: CPA poisoning affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems, causing symptoms like vomiting, giddiness, heart issues, and gastrointestinal distress.
- Specific Effects on Elephants: Symptoms observed in the elephants included tremors and rapid pulse, consistent with CPA poisoning. In affected animals, treatment involved liver tonics and intravenous antidotes.
Mitigation and Control
- Biocontrol and Agricultural Practices: To reduce fungal growth, researchers suggest using biocontrol agents and following good agricultural practices, including proper post-harvest storage to reduce moisture.
- Detection Techniques: Advanced methods like chromatography and rapid tools like ELISA are used to detect mycotoxins in kodo millet for human consumption.
Conclusion
- The recent elephant deaths highlight the importance of managing kodo millet cultivation and storage to prevent mycotoxin contamination. Implementing proper agricultural and biocontrol practices can mitigate the risks posed by kodo toxicity.
| Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve |
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| Practice Question: Discuss the environmental and agricultural factors leading to toxic contamination in crops like kodo millet. Analyze the impact of such contamination on wildlife and suggest preventive measures to mitigate these risks. (250 words/15 m) |
4. The Decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in Health in India
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2072149®=3&lang=1 )
| Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health |
| Context |
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Understanding Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)
- OOPE refers to direct payments for medical services, including doctor visits, medicines, and hospital stays.
- High OOPE is a financial burden, especially for low-income families, leading to poverty and debt.
- High OOPE discourages timely medical help, resulting in worsening health conditions and higher treatment costs.
- The government has worked to reduce OOPE through increased public healthcare investments and expanding health insurance coverage.
| Positive Trends in Healthcare Expenditure |
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Key Reasons for the Decline in OOPE
- Increased Government Health Expenditure (GHE):
- GHE increased from 1.13% to 1.84% of GDP between 2014-15 and 2021-22, improving healthcare accessibility and affordability.
- Expansion of Social Security Expenditure (SSE):
- SSE on healthcare rose from 5.7% of Total Health Expenditure (THE) in 2014-15 to 8.7% in 2021-22, protecting individuals from catastrophic health expenses.
- Growth of Government-Funded Insurance Schemes:
- Programs like Ayushman Bharat and state-level health insurance schemes helped reduce the reliance on personal finances for healthcare.
- Focus on Public Health Infrastructure:
- Increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development, especially in underserved areas has improved service availability and affordability.
- Targeted Programs for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):
- Government programs to manage and prevent NCDs reduced the financial burden on patients.
- COVID-19 Response:
- The pandemic led to greater investments in public healthcare, addressing immediate needs and laying a foundation for long-term reduction in OOPE.
Implications of Reduced OOPE
- Improved Healthcare Accessibility:
- Reduced OOPE makes healthcare services more affordable, encouraging individuals to seek medical care without financial worries.
- Stronger Public Healthcare System:
- Lower OOPE allows the public healthcare system to cater to a broader population and distribute resources more equitably.
- Better Health Outcomes:
- Affordable healthcare enables individuals to seek timely care, reducing the severity of illnesses and improving overall health outcomes.
- Increased Financial Stability for Households:
- With less money spent on healthcare, families can allocate resources toward other essential needs, improving their financial stability.
- Foundation for Universal Health Coverage (UHC):
- The reduction in OOPE supports India’s long-term goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage, ensuring healthcare access as a right for all citizens.
Conclusion
- The decline in OOPE reflects India’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility, public health resilience, and moving toward Universal Health Coverage.
- Continued government investment in healthcare will help ensure that quality medical services are available to all, regardless of income.
| Practice Question: “Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) has been a significant barrier to healthcare access in India. Analyse the recent trends in government health expenditure and its impact on reducing OOPE. (250 Words /15 marks) |
Prelims Facts
1. Gluten: animator of the dough
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
| Context |
| Gluten is a protein complex found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye that gives dough its elasticity.However, for people with coeliac disease, gluten triggers severe autoimmune reactions, and a strict gluten-free diet is required to manage symptoms. |
What is Gluten?
- Gluten is a protein network found in cereal grains, particularly barley, wheat, and rye.
- It forms when proteins gliadins and glutenins combine with water, creating an elastic structure.
Role in Food
- Gluten gives dough its elasticity and chewy texture, allowing it to rise during baking.
- Due to these properties, it is widely used in the food industry to enhance texture and volume.
Gluten and Health Concerns
- Gluten is difficult to break down completely, as protease enzymes struggle to digest it.
- When undigested gluten reaches the small intestine, it can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Coeliac Disease
- Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting around 2% of people; it’s triggered by gluten.
- Symptoms include severe diarrhoea and anaemia, though other symptoms may appear.
- Diagnosis involves blood tests, endoscopy, or genetic testing, but delays and misdiagnoses are common.
Treatment
- Currently, a strict gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment for coeliac disease.
2. France evaluating India’s Pinaka rocket system for its use
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)
| Context |
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Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) System
- Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.
- Purpose: Provides the Indian Army with a rapid-fire, multi-target engagement capability.
- Configuration: The system comprises a multi-barrel rocket launcher capable of firing 12 rockets in 44 seconds.
- Operational Range:
- Pinaka Mk1: 38 km range.
- Pinaka Mk2 (Extended Range): Under final trials; range of up to 75 km.
- Future Variants: Expected to reach ranges of 120 km and potentially up to 300 km.
- Ammunition Compatibility: Can fire various types of warheads, making it versatile for different mission profiles.
- International Interest: Armenia is the first export customer; France is considering it among other options.
- Key Features: Enhanced accuracy with a guidance kit, ability to engage multiple targets, and adaptability for diverse battlefield requirements.
- Strategic Importance: Strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence technology under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
3. How do lightning rods prevent lightning strikes from reaching people?
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. -11)
| Context |
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What is Lightning?
- Lightning is an electrical discharge between charged particles in a cloud and the ground.
- Air, an electrical insulator, breaks down under high voltage, allowing current to flow.
- Lightning strikes occur when electrical charges build up in a cloud beyond the air’s resistance.
What is a Lightning Rod?
- A lightning rod is an electrical conductor installed on building tops to divert lightning strikes.
- Lightning prefers the path of least resistance, and the rod’s pointed shape creates a stronger electric field, ionising the air and offering a route for the current to flow.
Where Does the Current Go?
- The lightning rod is connected to a wire leading to the ground, where the electric charges dissipate.
- This process uses the earth as an infinite source of lower electric potential.
Can Lightning Evade a Lightning Rod?
- Lightning can bypass a rod if it’s poorly installed, improperly grounded, or damaged.
- Multiple thunderstorms, faulty design, or a strike targeting a nearby structure can also cause evasion.
Essentials of Lightning Rods
- The rod and its components are designed to carry lightning safely to the ground.
- Proper installation with well-maintained wires and grounding is essential to avoid accidents.
4. India Launches Project to Bolster Animal Health Security for Pandemic Prevention
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 11)
| Context: |
| The Indian government recently launched the “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response” project to prevent future pandemics by closely monitoring animal health. |
Analysis of News:
Project Overview
- Objective: The project seeks to bolster India’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to animal health threats, with a focus on mitigating risks of zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to humans).
- Funding: Supported by a $25 million grant from the Pandemic Fund created by G20 nations in 2022, the project is part of an international effort to improve pandemic preparedness in low- and middle-income countries.
Timeline and Implementing Agencies
- Duration: The project, launched in October 2023, is scheduled for completion by August 2026.
- Implementing Bodies: The project will be carried out by three major organizations—the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Key Interventions
- Enhanced Surveillance and Warning Systems: Development of robust disease surveillance and early warning mechanisms to detect and contain animal-origin threats.
- Laboratory Network Expansion: Upgrades to the existing laboratory infrastructure to support prompt disease identification and diagnostics.
- Data Integration and Analytics: Improved interoperable data systems, along with enhanced capabilities in data analysis and risk communication.
- Cross-border Collaboration: Strengthening India’s role in regional cooperation, particularly for controlling transboundary animal diseases.
Why This Project is Necessary
- Pandemic Risk: Over two-thirds of human infectious diseases originate from animals, with recent pandemics like COVID-19 underscoring the need for stronger animal health security.
- Zoonotic Threat: Out of six recent public health emergencies declared by WHO, five were zoonotic, highlighting the critical role of animal health in global health security.
- Livestock Scale: With India’s extensive livestock population of over 536 million, the country faces unique challenges and risks related to zoonotic disease transmission.
Expected Outcomes
The project is expected to produce five key outcomes:
- Enhanced laboratory and vaccine production capacities.
- Strengthened surveillance and early-warning systems.
- Improved capacity-building for human resources in animal health.
- Advanced data systems for risk analysis and communication.
- Greater national and regional institutional capacity to manage cross-border health threats.
This initiative aims to reduce the risk of animal-to-human pathogen transmission, safeguarding health, food security, and the livelihoods of vulnerable communities in India.
